[zeteo]

> Everyone needs to operate in good faith. I've observed leaders ask their direct reports for something off-hand, without giving it more than 5 seconds of thought. I've watched direct reports operate as a "human command line", requiring precise syntax before they'll act. Don't be either of these type of people.

Do you think people in either of those situation would agree they acted in bad faith? The leader could say they were trying to avoid bikeshedding on what was clearly a quick and simple task. The direct reports may bring up multiple past interactions where imprecise requests led to a waste of their time and negative feedback. Telling everyone to just "don't be these type of people" is not very likely to be helpful.

[jroseattle]

"Good faith" doesn't mean being dishonest. Instead, it's about showing a little empathy between two people.

This situation sounds more like people trying to cover their ass so they aren't blamed for something later. Work to get things accomplished, not to avoid some kind of criticism.

So, rather than being these types of people -- be a person who helps get something accomplished and maybe improves this situation along the way.

[Jiro]

People don't cover their ass out of fun, they do it because getting blamed for something later is a real problem that can actually hurt you.

Playing social games is non-optional.

[zeteo]

> "Good faith" doesn't mean being dishonest. Instead, it's about showing a little empathy

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/good+faith

[maccard]

Being pedantic when talking about empathy is about the least empathetic thing you can do.

[PH95VuimJjqBqy]

Empathy is the word of the times so it gets used where it's wholly inappropriate.

good faith just means you assume the person is earnest in trying to make the project you're on successful. Part of that is understanding that people say stupid shit, but the other part is trust.

One of the reasons my current employer is so sticky is that it's a billion dollar company and I've only met 2 people whom I won't accept in good faith, everyone else is earnest even when they disagree with you.

[tekla]

Being empathetic doesn't mean you have to accept wrong definitions.

[jjk166]

> NOTE: The meaning of good faith, though always based on honesty, may vary depending on the specific context in which it is used.

[hef19898]

Notes don't pass the command line it seems.